Florida is underlain by very rich water‐bearing strata commonly referred to as the Floridan aquifer. Solution channels and caverns in carbonaceous rocks are found at different depth intervals in extensive, thick (several thousand feet) sections of limestones and dolomites. In south Florida the bottom part of the Floridan aquifer includes extremely cavernous strata commonly referred to as the ‘Boulder Zone’. Chloride concentration in the water of the Boulder Zone is over 2000 mg/1. Because of this, large volumes of brine from oil fields are reinjected into this zone. Since 1966 industrial waste (essentially 1% acetic acid) has been injected into a disposal well drilled to the top of the Boulder Zone southeast of Lake Okeechobee. Planning and monitoring of this well have included the cooperation of government and private interests. Experiences, results, and potential of this zone for further similar uses are discussed.

The geohydrology of Florida allows deep‐well injection of treated wastewater in some areas if care is taken to assure protection of overlying aquifers used for public water supplies. Precautions are described that must be taken during construction, operation, and ultimate abandonment of the disposal wells to assure containment of injected wastes.

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